The "Real Mezcal Adventure" offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Oaxaca’s vibrant mezcal culture. This full-day tour immerses participants in the centuries-old tradition, guiding them through renowned distilleries to sample artisanal mezcals. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share insights into the rich history and production processes of this iconic Mexican spirit. Complementing the mezcal tasting is a traditional Oaxacan lunch, providing a holistic experience that celebrates the region’s renowned cuisine. With a price tag of $130 per person, the tour promises an in-depth and memorable journey into the heart of Oaxaca’s mezcal heritage.

Key Points

Real Mezcal Adventure - Key Points

  1. Immerse in the rich history and intricate production process of artisanal mezcal through visits to renowned distilleries in Santiago Matatlan and Tlacolula.

  2. Savor a diverse selection of mezcal expressions from local producers, enhancing your appreciation for the nuances and cultural significance of this spirit.

  3. Indulge in a traditional Mexican lunch to deepen your culture and explore the vibrant cuisine of Oaxaca.

  4. Discover the bustling Sunday market in Tlacolula, where you can interact with Oaxacan people and browse local handicrafts.

  5. Enjoy a comprehensive and well-organized tour experience, with convenient pickup points and knowledgeable guides to ensure a seamless and enjoyable adventure.

Overview of the Tour

The "Real Mezcal Adventure" is a comprehensive full-day tour that allows visitors to enjoy the rich history and production of Mexico’s beloved spirit, mezcal.

Located in Oaxaca City, Mexico, this tour boasts an average rating of 4.0 out of 11 reviews. Priced from $130.00 per person, the tour takes travelers to key locations known for mezcal production, including Santiago Matatlan and Tlacolula.

During the experience, you will visit distilleries, sample various mezcals, and enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch.

The tour can accommodate a maximum of 20 travelers and offers convenient hotel pickup options near public transportation.

Tour Experience and Highlights

Real Mezcal Adventure - Tour Experience and Highlights

Participants on the Real Mezcal Adventure will explore the rich history and manufacturing process of this beloved Mexican spirit.

They’ll visit distilleries and towns renowned for mezcal production, including Santiago Matatlan, the origin of mezcal, and Tlacolula, known for its vibrant Oaxacan culture.

During the tour, travelers will sample a variety of mezcals from local producers, gaining a deeper appreciation for the nuances of this artisanal liquor.

The experience culminates with a typical Mexican lunch, allowing participants to fully enjoy the flavors and traditions of the region.

Pickup and Meeting Details

Real Mezcal Adventure - Pickup and Meeting Details

Pickup and meeting details for the Real Mezcal Adventure are straightforward.

Travelers can select from various pickup points, which are located near public transportation. The tour guides will meet you in the hotel lobby or reception area, 30 minutes before the tour starts. This allows ample time to gather the group and depart on schedule.

The pickup process is convenient, ensuring a smooth start to your mezcal exploration journey. Regardless of where you’re staying, the tour company makes it easy to join the experience by offering multiple convenient pickup locations around Oaxaca City.

Additional Tour Information

Real Mezcal Adventure - Additional Tour Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for the Real Mezcal Adventure tour.

The tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users but is stroller-friendly. Service animals are allowed, and infants must sit on laps, with infant seats available. Pregnant travelers aren’t recommended to join the tour. Most travelers can participate in the experience.

Visitors can cancel their reservations for free up to 24 hours before the tour.

While the mezcal tour itself doesn’t include a visit to the Tule tree and gardens, guests have highlighted this as a memorable part of their experience.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Real Mezcal Adventure - Customer Reviews and Feedback

While the Real Mezcal Adventure tour received generally positive reviews, with guests praising the knowledgeable hosts and personal experience, some travelers reported issues with tour cancellations and unprofessional service.

The tour’s highlights, as noted in the reviews, include:

  • Visiting the town of Tlacolula to experience Oaxacan culture and see the large, ancient Tule tree and its beautiful gardens, which isn’t part of the standard mezcal-focused tour.
  • Informative visits to distilleries and mezcal-producing towns like Santiago Matatlan, the origin of mezcal.
  • Sampling a variety of local mezcals from producers.
  • Enjoying a typical Mexican lunch during the tour.

Despite the generally positive feedback, a few negative reviews mentioned problems with tour cancellations and unprofessional conduct, which potential customers should be aware of.

Mezcal History and Production

Real Mezcal Adventure - Mezcal History and Production

The tour’s mezcal focus allows guests to explore the rich history and intricate production process of this iconic Mexican spirit.

Mezcal’s origins can be traced back to the state of Oaxaca, where the agave plant has been cultivated for centuries.

During the tour, visitors explore distilleries and towns renowned for mezcal production, gaining firsthand insights into the traditional methods used to craft this artisanal beverage.

From harvesting the agave to distilling the liquid, each step is meticulously demonstrated, providing a comprehensive understanding of mezcal’s cultural significance and unique flavor profile.

Sampling various mezcal expressions from local producers further enhances the tour’s immersive experience, allowing participants to appreciate the nuances that distinguish this distinctive spirit.

Oaxacan Culture and Cuisine

Real Mezcal Adventure - Oaxacan Culture and Cuisine

Beyond the exploration of mezcal’s rich history, the Real Mezcal Adventure tour immerses visitors in the vibrant Oaxacan culture and cuisine.

After tasting the various mezcal offerings, travelers savor a traditional Mexican lunch that showcases the region’s diverse flavors.

The tour also visits the town of Tlacolula, known for its bustling Sunday market, where visitors can:

  • Browse the stalls filled with local handicrafts, textiles, and produce
  • Mingle with the friendly Oaxacan people and learn about their way of life
  • Appreciate the town’s colonial architecture and vibrant colors
  • Immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of this enchanting region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Real Mezcal Adventure - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour operator doesn’t offer custom itineraries, but they can accommodate requests for specific distilleries or activities if notified in advance. Flexibility exists within the set tour program to personalize the experience to some degree.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no strict dress code for the tour. Travelers should wear comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking. It’s recommended to dress in layers as the weather can change throughout the day.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, though infants must sit on laps. Children are welcome, and there are infant seats available. Most travelers can participate in the mezcal adventure.

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Tour?

No, participants cannot bring their own alcohol on the tour. The tour includes samples of various mezcals from local producers, and bringing outside alcohol is not permitted. Participants are expected to responsibly enjoy the mezcal tastings provided.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Mezcal Distillery?

The tour provides visitors a chance to explore multiple mezcal distilleries, with ample time at each location to learn about the production process and sample different varieties. The exact time spent at each distillery may vary, but the focus is on an immersive mezcal experience.

The Sum Up

The "Real Mezcal Adventure" offers a comprehensive immersion in Oaxaca’s rich mezcal heritage. Visitors explore renowned distilleries, sample artisanal mezcals, and savor traditional Oaxacan cuisine, all while gaining insights into the spirit’s history and production processes. With knowledgeable guides, the full-day tour provides an in-depth experience of Oaxaca’s vibrant culture and its celebrated mezcal tradition.